How this Level of Hearing Affects an Adult

Adults rarely acquire this degree of hearing loss. This degree is usually congenital (present at birth). However, in rare situations, the hearing in usually one ear (but sometimes both ears) can show this degree of loss. If hearing loss is growing worse in a person, the fear is usually that they will end up “deaf.” It is prudent to seek assessment and diagnosis in order to prevent such deterioration in hearing levels.

How this Level of Hearing Affects a Child

A child who is born “deaf” will usually show this type of audiogram when he or she is able to be tested. A child born with this degree of deficit will never develop speech and language on their own. In fact, even with heroic therapy, this child will likely never speak normally. This child is a candidate for Cochlear Implants in one or both ears. With this type of surgical intervention, this child has a high possibility of learning speech, language, and all the other attributes that accompany learning. Because of this wonderful surgery, a child with this degree of loss may function normally.

People who have hearing losses greater than 90 dB are said to be functionally deaf. While many people with this degree of impairment are quite successful, the indications of reduced hearing are usually observable. People with this degree of hearing loss cannot monitor their own speech production and therefore may have some problems in many communication situations – not only due to the receptive handicap, but also to the expressive limitations.

Audiogram

People who have hearing losses greater than 90 dB, hearing level are said to be functionally deaf. While many people with this degree of impairment are quite successful, the indications of reduced hearing are usually observable. People with this degree of hearing loss cannot monitor their own speech production and therefore may have some problems in many communication situations, not only due to the receptive handicap, but also due to the expressive limitations.